Climate change is expected to aggravate the existing vulnerabilities of small islands which by their very nature, often face economic, social and physical challenges. While small islands may not be responsible for the causes of climate change, they are likely to be the first to experience its acute impact.

Identifying and adapting to the existing risks will help those in small islands prepare for and cope with future threats. Due to the time lag between emissions and climate change, the world will experience further climate change even if emissions stop today. Adaptation to climate change in an effort to buffer its negative impacts is therefore vital.  

In the short to medium term, the greatest impact on vulnerable small island states and regions will come from increased variability of weather in the form of more frequent and extreme events such as storms, droughts, floods and heat waves. In the medium to long term, projected climate change from current trends will lead to serious disruption of economic and social activity in many sectors on all continents

Where carbon production is unavoidable, new technologies and projects will be needed to promote its capture and storage. This will spawn new economic activity and support major advances in the energy efficiency of products and services, in power generation, buildings and transport and the use of renewable energy.

The Sustainable Islands conference will address the major risks and opportunities. Bringing together national and international speakers the event will highlight how island communities in different parts of the globe are successfully making the transition to low carbon economies through the promotion of green jobs

A highlight of Sustainable Islands – Towards a Low Carbon Economy is the opportunity on day two to participate in Field Trips to Orkney and the Isle of Skye.